Ailsa Craig and MV Isle of Arran — an unbeatable combination. Don’t miss the cruise on 12 January
CRSC is chartering MV Isle of Arran for a unique cruise Round Ailsa Craig on Saturday 12 January 2019. Advance booking is essential for this attractive midwinter charter.
It will be the first time a ‘steamer’ has undertaken an excursion round the ‘Craig’ in winter, and the first time any CalMac ferry has circumnavigated the iconic granite island.
The £46 price includes a two-course meal with tea/coffee in the ship’s restaurant.
A summertime view of Ailsa Craig from the deck of Waverley, showing the steep granite face and gannet colony — a feast for the eyes
The vessel will leave Ardrossan at 11am and return at 4pm. A special £32 ticket is available for under 16s.
Isle of Arran is a favourite of many enthusiasts, an impression underlined by the success of CRSC’s Round Arran charter in January 2018, when the ship’s master and crew gave us a great welcome.
Be sure of your place on this standout Ailsa Craig excursion by booking here.
Please note that the cruise is subject to weather conditions and other circumstances on the day.
Wooden-hulled paddle steamers began sailing round Ailsa Craig nearly 200 years ago, and by the late 19th century the trip had become a regular feature of the Clyde summer excursion programme. Many still remember the Saturday afternoon Round Ailsa Craig cruises given in the 1960s by Duchess of Montrose and Queen Mary II, when the steamer would blow her whistle to arouse the vast number of gannets from their nests — a practice that was eventually stopped due to environmental concerns.
Since the mid 1970s, opportunities to repeat the experience have been limited to the handful of occasions each summer when Waverley undertakes the trip: the sight of Ailsa Craig close-up, its conical mass rising steeply from the depths of open water, is unforgettable.
CRSC excursions are invariably sociable occasions, giving everyone the chance to share their interest in ships and the sea with like-minded folk — one more reason why this unusual midwinter charter is not to be missed.
When buying your tickets, please remember to complete your order by going to the box marked ‘Items’ at the top right-hand side of the CRSC website page, where you can fill in menu options etc and pay. If you have any queries, please email info@crsc.org.uk
CRSC’s charter on 12 January offers a unique opportunity to sail round Ailsa Craig on a CalMac ferry
Ailsa Craig seen close-up is an experience to remember
Published on 21 December 2018